DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

 12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

October 16, 2019

 

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll call: Town Clerk Linda McCabe, called the roll:  Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Charles Hanehan - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present, Councilman James Jennings – present, Councilman Gary Squires – present.

 

Also present: Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Attorney William Reynolds, Jeremiah Burton, Shan Burton, Sharon Pineo, Jim Sullivan, Terri Korb, Susan Yerry and Robert Dougal.  (sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings: None

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the minutes of the September 9, 2019 regular meeting as written.   Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried  5 – 0  

 

Town Clerk’s report for September 2019: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $86.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $2,938.76. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $45.00.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $370.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $664.24.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $4,104.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for September 2019: 10 Building Permits were issued, 21 Building Inspections, 8 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permit/s, 0 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 3 Order/s to Remedy, 4 misc., 6 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $2,712.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for September 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 13 complaints, took 1 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 62 miles, issued 10 warnings, 2 summons were issued and dealt with 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for September 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds collected for the month of September 2019 -  $4,118.00.

 

Historian’s report for September 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: September was an active month in the Historian Office, with the 175th anniversary of the Quaker Springs Methodist Church, restoration of the pump in the Quaker Mineral Springs, erecting a historical marker along Route 4 and the final work at the Sword Surrender site.  In September, he had 89 posts on the blog with 505 visitors and 1,217 views.  The Historian's Facebook page has reached 1,361 viewers.  Photos of the fantastic program commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Quaker Springs Methodist Church and a history, written by Paul Griffin, is on the website.  Councilman Jim Jennings, with help from the Town Highway Department, restored the pump on the mineral well in Quaker Springs.  This has been documented with photos which will be put  on the website shortly. 

 

The Town Highway Department erected a marker honoring the Hemlocks, paid for by the Pomeroy Foundation. The Hemlocks, which no longer exists, was a canal Hamlet near Paul Garnsey & Son Trucking.  The marker calls attention to the South trailhead of the March to Surrender Trail.  He adds that he is looking at some additional grants for markers.

 

October 17, 2019 - Official Dedication of the Surrender Site will be held at 12:00 Noon. Town Supervisor Thomas Wood is the Master of Ceremonies and parking is at the Schuyler House.

 

There are other events in October, including the Candlelight Tour of the Schuyler House and history related meetings. 

 

Assessor’s report for September 2019:

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for September 2019: 

v  Mowed and cleared tree limbs from ditches

v  Borrowed  shoulder machine from Greenfield for Haas Rd. and River Rd.

v  Changed tires on shoulder machine for Greenfield

v  Hauled material for shoulders

v  Ditching and culvert changes on Schuyler St.

v  Replaced cable for the backhoe bucket

v  Cable for backhoe bucket was replaced

v  Did crack-sealing on Walsh Rd., Trombley Rd. and Chapman Hill Rd.

v  Worked on South Trailhead parking area

v  Installed historic and trail signs for the trail

v  Hauled blacktop for the Towns of Providence and Moreau

v  Replaced yellow caution beacon on Victory Mills truck

v  Had Conover Electric install a new water conditioner

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT SEPTEMBER 2019

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 09/01/2019               $ 1,297,190.12

                  Revenues                                               +     20,968.44

                  Disbursements                                        -     93,989.94

                  Balance 09/30/2019                             $ 1,224,168.62

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 09/01/2019               $1,844,826.05

                  Revenues                                              +     12,497.26

                  Disbursements                                      -        8,110.69

                  Balance 09/30/2019                             $1,849,212.62

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 09/01/2019                $   904,844.67

                  Revenues                                               +  136,983.92

                  Disbursements                                        -  303,782.94

                  Balance 09/30/2019                              $  738,045.65

                 

 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 09/30/2019                   $ 184,809.84

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  09/30/2019                        $     3,826.77

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  09/30/2019                                    $ 102,033.29

 

BUILDING RESERVE  09/30/2019                                                 $ 292,599.45

                 

TRUST & AGENCY 09/30/2019                                                      $   46,223.18

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  09/30/2019                          $        112.50

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 09/30/2019                       $   21,338.54

PARTNERSHIP

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 09/30/2019                               $     1,310.02

 

CDBG PROJECT 09/30/2019                                                           $   11,764.00

 

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  09/30/2019                                    $        311.53

 

PARKS RESERVE  09/30/2019                                                        $ 181,956.55

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 09/30/2019                               $     1,310.02  

 

v  Sales Tax ReceivedSeptember 2019 - $122,552.00

v  Mortgage Tax - August 2019 - $16,471.00

 

Public comments on Agenda Items:

Jim Sullivan addressed the Highway Superintendent.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors met on September 9, 2019 for a pot luck luncheon with 27 members in attendance.  Town Supervisor Thomas Wood was their speaker and he updated them on the many new parks and trails that have been implemented in the Town, the new Rt. 4 boat launch park on the Hudson River,

working with the Friends of the Battlefields, as well as other trails to be completed and connecting with Stillwater and Lake George.

 

Upcoming trips:  In October they will be going to Lake George for dinner and a play.  In December they will be going to a dinner and play based upon Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol".

 

They send their condolences to the family of Steve Bodnar, who was a very active member of their group.  They also send best wishes to Anna Berma, who has moved to Texas to be near her daughter.

 

They had a meeting on October 14, 2019, with speaker Tim Lagoe, Historian of the Quaker Springs Church sharing the history of the stained glass window of the Church.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires read the following report:

The Schuyler Park Committee met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, 9/24/19.

Their website has been updated to reflect current field use schedules and modified field layout necessary to accommodate the increased related activities of Schuylerville School.

Committee continues to maintain strong lines of communication for the increased field use by the school teams and OSAA (Old Saratoga Athletic Association).

 

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc. Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department - Assistant Fire Chief Don Ormsby stated they have had 81 calls to date for 2019.

 

Wilton EMS, Inc. - No report

 

Old Business: Victory Mill Project - Supervisor Thomas Wood stated after speaking with Michael Valentine and Arthur Johnson at the County, he knows the Developer has now formally submitted an application to the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA).  He was also told there is no urgency for the Town to do anything; it is not critical for the Town to do a resolution and he recommends the Board take no action at this time.  He asked the Board to take home the information he provided and thoroughly read through it.  He then stated the Board is invited to the SCIDA meeting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21st at Building 5, West High St. in Ballston Spa, in order to hear firsthand the information the Developer will be reviewing with the SCIDA and the SCIDA questions for the Developer.  He stated they can sit in the public gallery to listen, but cannot ask questions and urged them all to attend.  Supervisor Thomas Wood, along with the Board, laid this on the table taking no action at this time, as there are too many unanswered questions. 

           

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-105, Appointing Alternate Planning Board Member, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried  5 – 0

WHEREAS, Christopher Koval recently resigned his position of Alternate Member of the Planning Board, as he took on a Full Member position; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to appoint Walter Borisenok as Alternate Member of the Planning Board, fulfilling the remaining term of Christopher Koval's Alternate Member position, effective October 16, 2019 through December 31, 2023.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-109, Authorizing Highway Superintendent to purchase a 1989 Blaw-Knox PF-150 Asphalt Paver, in the amount of $13,000.00, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried  5 – 0

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga Highway Department is in need of an asphalt paver, and

            WHEREAS, the Town of Stillwater Highway Department is selling a 1989, Blaw-Knox PF-150 Asphalt Paver, with a new engine and less than 1,000 hours on it, and

             WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent has examined said equipment, finding it in good working condition although needing new tires; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to authorize the Highway Superintendent to purchase the Blaw-Knox pf-150 Asphalt Paver for $13,000.00 from the Stillwater Highway Department.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-110, Accepting 2018 Audit Findings Report, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried  5 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has had the Town’s 2018 Financial Operations and Procedures audited by BST & CO; and

WHEREAS, BST & CO have completed the audit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the findings of the Town's 2018 Financial Operations and Procedures Audit, as presented.

(Audit is on file in the Town Clerk’s office)

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-111, Accepting Resignation of Zoning Board of Appeals Member Nicholas Schwartz, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried  5 – 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to accept, with regret, the resignation of Zoning Board of Appeals Member Nicholas Schwartz, as he is moving from our town.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that although Alternate Zoning Board Member Mark Sullivan gave his resignation verbally as Alternate Member of the ZBA, in order to become a Full Board Member, his written resignation has not yet been received.  As such, Resolution #19-112 and Resolution #19-113 will be on hold until receipt of his written resignation.

 

Resolution #19-114, Supporting the Proposed Victory Mills Development - The Board will take no action on this resolution at this time.

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #19-115, Authorizing Attorney William Reynolds to represent the Town of Saratoga in an Article 78 lawsuit, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has recently been served an Article 78; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby authorizes the Attorney for the Town, William Reynolds, to represent the Town of Saratoga in regards to said lawsuit.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, on Resolution #19-116, Authorizing Refinancing of Town Bonds.  Councilman Charles Hanehan questioned the savings of $114,000.00, as he read the Refunding Highlights of refunding these bonds and it showed the savings to be $122,296.97.  Supervisor Thomas Wood, after reviewing the document, agreed and apologized for the error and stated they needed to vote to amend the resolution. 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to amend Resolution #19-116, by striking $114,000.00, putting in the correct amount of $122,296.97, was adopted by vote:  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

 

The amended Resolution #19-116, Authorizing Refinancing of Town Bonds, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

                WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has the opportunity to refinance the Town Hall building bonds, resulting in a $122,296.97 savings over the remaining nine years, and;

WHEREAS, the cost of issuance for the refinancing with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing Inc. is $36,000.00; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into an agreement with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing Inc. to refinance the bonds for the Town Hall building.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-117, Authorization to hire The LA Group to apply for a $75,000.00 Greenway Grant through the Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Programs for trail planning and construction, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga finds it in the best interest of the Town, to authorize

the LA Group to apply to the Hudson River Valley Greenway for a grant in the amount of

$75,000.00, for Trail Planning and Construction; and

WHEREAS, the grant application requires the Town of Saratoga to obtain the approval/endorsement of the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby authorizes the application for a grant under the Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program, for said grant.

 

Privilege of the floor: The following addressed the Board:

Shan Burton, Stillwater, addressed Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby

Jim Sullivan, 11 Pearl St., Schuylerville, addressed the Board.

 

Communications:

v October 21, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. the IDA will be meeting with Victory Mill Developers at Building 5, West High St., Ballston Spa, NY; public is welcome to attend and listen to the discussion.

v  Saratoga County Year of the Senior Fall Harvest Festival to be held on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Milton Town Park.

v Saratoga Rowing Association Fall Regattas - 10/26 & 10/27/19

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Town Board Agenda Meeting - Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting - Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Budget Workshop #3 - October 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #19-118, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 10G of 2019, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 - 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 10G of 2019 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 162 through 180                      $  20,255.03

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 302 through 345                      $  46,294.67

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 53 through 57                          $    3,707.10

Schuyler Park                        Voucher No. 17 through 20                          $  23,068.74

CDBG                                                Voucher No. 18 through 22                          $  17,625.00

Historic Hudson Hoosic        Voucher No. 34 through 37                          $    1,246.72

Partnership

                                                         Grand Total      $112,197.26

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:39 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.   Carried  5 - 0

Meeting Adjourned

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk